Electromyographic assessment of women's pelvic floor: What is the best place for a superficial sensor?

Abstract

The intravaginal probe and the surface electrodes in perianal region are equivalent for healthy nulliparous women. The choice must be done according to the values and preferences of the patient.

The relation of the pelvis and the perineal function in incontinent women: A neglected subject

“…36 To minimize this interference, the present study used self-adhesive surface electrodes that were arranged in the perianal region at position 3 and 9 h. The use of surface electrodes at this location is equivalent to the signals captured by intravaginal probes. 23 The sample of the present study found a homogeneity in the CG and IG groups in the sociodemographic and clinical variables differing from Araújo et al 9 which makes the comparison more reliable, reducing possible confounding variables. The variable type of delivery was the only one that presented a difference between the groups, and vaginal delivery was more frequent in the group with SUI.…”

“…However, these probes have different geometry to the vaginal canal of each woman, thus presenting difficulties in their fixation, mainly during functional tasks, and changes of position, which facilitates the capture of electrical signals from other muscle groups . To minimize this interference, the present study used self‐adhesive surface electrodes that were arranged in the perianal region at position 3 and 9 h. The use of surface electrodes at this location is equivalent to the signals captured by intravaginal probes …”

“…Electromyography (EMG) was then performed using five self‐adhesive surface electrodes (4.5 × 3.8 cm Hydrogel Adhesive Electrode, Meditrace 200, Kendal™, Mansfield), two attached in the perianal region (positioning equivalent to 3 and 9 h of the analog clock), two in the right internal oblique muscle (for assessment of the abdominal muscles) and one in the right anterior superior iliac spine (to eliminate interference) (Figure A).…”

“…22 The Modified Oxford scale, which considers 0°as absence of contraction; grade one represents the outline of contraction; grade 2, a weak contraction; grade 3 refers to moderate compression; grade 4 corresponds to a good contraction and elevation of the examiner's fingers, and, finally, grade 5 refers to a strong compression associated with the elevation of the examiner's fingers. 22 Electromyography (EMG) was then performed using five self-adhesive surface electrodes (4.5 × 3.8 cm Hydrogel Adhesive Electrode, Meditrace 200, Kendal™, Mansfield), two attached in the perianal region (positioning equivalent to 3 and 9 h of the analog clock), 23 two in the right internal oblique muscle (for assessment of the abdominal muscles) and one in the right anterior superior iliac spine (to eliminate interference) ( Figure 1A).…”

Assessment of the strength and electrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles of male‐to‐female transgender patients submitted to gender‐affirming surgery: A case series

“…A reference electrode was placed on the right anterior superior iliac spine. 10 The patients were assessed in the supine position, hips flexed and abducted, and knees bent and relaxed on a pillow. Muscle electrical activity was recorded at rest and after 2 min.…”